He also the law strengthens Schenectady's authority to revoke a store's certificate of use if it racks up enough points through repeated offenses ranging from flouting the new loosies legislation to laws pertaining to operating hours and failing to keep commercial property clean.

Schenectady officials were never able to determine exactly how many city stores sell loosies. But there were strong indications that it was a growing problem that was adding to illegal sales that cost taxpayers, Polster added. The mayor has said he hopes the new law, coupled with his efforts to force merchants to comply with city laws, will attract more homeowners to the Electric City.

He also said officials from his administration have met with the owners of several corner stores to discuss ways the city can help them crack down on dealing with loitering and other problems.

In Schenectady, a pack of 20 cigarettes generally sells for between $8 and $10 before taxes, depending on the brand, according to a sampling of city businesses. The new law will also give police the power to enforce the ban on sale of single cigarettes, which prompted some city residents to question the need for it.

State and federal laws ban the sale of loose cigarettes, but enforcement is virtually nonexistent, city leaders said.